Lexical Summary achashdarpenin: Satraps Original Word: אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפַּן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance prince (Aramaic) corresponding to 'achashdarpan -- prince. see HEBREW 'achashdarpan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to achashdarpan Definition satraps NASB Translation satraps (9). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אֲחַשְׁדַּרְמְּנִרן] noun masculine plural satraps (Biblical Hebrew נִים-; compare M52*); — emphatic נַיָּא- Daniel 3:2,3,27; Daniel 6:2; Daniel 6:3; Daniel 6:4; Daniel 6:5; Daniel 6:7; Daniel 6:8. אִילָן see אול. Topical Lexicon Definition and Historical Setting אַחַשְׁדַּרְפָּן (Strong’s H324) designates the “satraps” of the Medo-Persian Empire—regional governors who oversaw taxation, security, and justice on behalf of the king. The title is attested in royal inscriptions from Darius I onward and corresponds to the Old Persian khshathra-pāvan (protector of the realm). In Scripture the term appears exclusively in the Book of Daniel, reflecting the prophet’s firsthand familiarity with Persian court terminology during the exile. Scriptural Distribution Nine occurrences, all in Daniel: Daniel 3:2, 3; 3:27; 6:1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7. Administrative Role in Daniel 1. Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian Empire (Daniel 3) and Darius the Mede’s kingdom (Daniel 6) each list satraps among their highest officials, showing continuity of governance through successive empires. Narrative Function in Daniel 3 The satraps are summoned to the dedication of Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image (Daniel 3:2-3). Their attendance symbolizes the universal reach of the king’s decree and sets the stage for the faithful stand of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When those three emerge unharmed from the furnace, “the satraps, prefects, governors, and royal advisors gathered around” (Daniel 3:27), becoming eyewitnesses to God’s deliverance and thereby instruments in broadcasting the miracle across the provinces. Narrative Function in Daniel 6 Darius appoints one hundred twenty satraps to govern the realm (Daniel 6:1). Jealous of Daniel’s exceptional service, they conspire to entrap him through legislation targeting prayer (Daniel 6:6-7). Their action highlights the perennial tension between earthly authority and obedience to God. Ultimately the satraps’ plot is overturned, vindicating Daniel and demonstrating divine sovereignty over political machinations. Theological Significance • Divine Sovereignty: God operates through and above imperial structures, turning the schemes of satraps to the promotion of His glory (Daniel 3:28-29; 6:25-27). Lessons for Ministry and Leadership 1. Stewardship: Effective governance, like that expected of satraps, requires integrity and accountability—qualities exemplified supremely by Daniel (Daniel 6:4). See Also Governors; Prefects; Providence of God; Civil Government; Exile and Return Forms and Transliterations אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֞א אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֡א אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֣א אחשדרפניא וַֽאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּא֙ וַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֑א וַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֗א וַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּא֙ ואחשדרפניא לַֽאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֡א לַאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֖א לאחשדרפניא ’ă·ḥaš·dar·pə·nay·yā ’ăḥašdarpənayyā achashdarpenaiYa la’ăḥašdarpənayyā la·’ă·ḥaš·dar·pə·nay·yā laachashdarpenaiYa vaachashdarpenaiYa wa’ăḥašdarpənayyā wa·’ă·ḥaš·dar·pə·nay·yāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 3:2 HEB: שְׁלַ֡ח לְמִכְנַ֣שׁ ׀ לַֽאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנַיָּ֡א סִגְנַיָּ֣א וּֽפַחֲוָתָ֡א NAS: [word] to assemble the satraps, the prefects KJV: to gather together the princes, the governors, INT: sent assemble the satraps the prefects and the governors Daniel 3:3 Daniel 3:27 Daniel 6:1 Daniel 6:2 Daniel 6:3 Daniel 6:4 Daniel 6:6 Daniel 6:7 9 Occurrences |
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